Friday, June 05, 2009

Quotes of the day

Peter Drucker’s Concept of the Corporation pioneered the intellectually rigorous analysis of management issues. Alfred Sloan’s My Years at General Motors is the most thoughtful business autobiography. Alfred Chandler’s Strategy and Structure turned business history and corporate strategy into academic disciplines. Only then did I notice that all were about GM. The history of modern business is the history of GM, and vice versa.--John Kay

There is, of course, a large amount of terrible advocacy masquerading as social science out there, and too many journals and journalists abet it. But this is particularly troubling because Elizabeth Warren is now in charge of overseeing the TARP program for Congress. What other inconvenient facts is she shielding us from?--Megan McArdle

... Marcus Welby did not face a conflict between serving patients and earning an income. In 1960, 50 percent of personal health-care spending was paid for by patients out of pocket. Today, that figure is about 10 percent. We will never again see a patient-centered system as long as someone else is paying the bills.--Arnold Kling

According to a May 29-31 Gallup Poll, 37% of Americans have a favorable view of Cheney and 34% have a favorable view of Pelosi.--Lydia Saad

Rodney [Harrison] is the best practice player I have seen in 35 years in the NFL, which is a testament to his exceptional passion for the game and his desire to sustain and improve his level of play.--Bill Belichick

People are going to get criticized. I’m not going to be afraid to do that. I’m not going to be afraid to bring it. When I played I didn’t have many friends, and I’m sure I’m not going to have friends now [that I am an analyst for NBC].--Rodney Harrison

[Rodney Harrison] retires as the only player in NFL history to record at least 30 sacks and at least 30 interceptions ... --Patriots news release